The circulating nurse observes the surgical scrub technician remove a sponge from the edge of the sterile field with a clamp and place the sponge and clamp in a designated area. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Place the sponge back where it was.
- B. Tell the technician not to waste supplies.
- C. Do nothing because this is the correct procedure.
- D. Take the sponge out of the room immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Removing a potentially contaminated sponge from the sterile field edge is correct to maintain asepsis. Replacing, criticizing, or removing it immediately is incorrect.
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The circulating nurse observes the surgeon tossing a bloody gauze sponge onto the sterile field. Which action should the circulating nurse implement first?
- A. Include the sponge in the sponge count.
- B. Obtain a new sterile instrument pack.
- C. Tell the surgical technologist about the sponge.
- D. Throw the sponge in the sterile trashcan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Telling the technologist ensures the contaminated sponge is removed from the sterile field, maintaining asepsis. Counting, new instruments, or trashing are secondary or incorrect.
The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for total hip replacement. Which behavior indicates the need for further preoperative teaching?
- A. The client uses the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.
- B. The client demonstrates dorsiflexion of the feet, flexing of the toes, and moves the feet in a circular motion.
- C. The client uses the incentive spirometer and inhales slowly and deeply so the piston rises to the preset volume.
- D. The client gets out of bed by lifting straight upright from the waist and then swings both legs along the side of the bed.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Getting out of bed upright risks hip dislocation post-hip replacement; log-rolling is correct. Diaphragmatic breathing, foot exercises, and spirometry are appropriate.
The nurse in the holding area of the surgery department is interviewing a client who requests to keep his religious medal on during surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the surgeon about the client's request to wear the medal.
- B. Tape the medal to the client and allow the client to wear the medal.
- C. Request the family member take the medal prior to surgery.
- D. Explain taking the medal to surgery is against the policy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Taping the medal ensures safety (no loose objects) while respecting the client’s spiritual needs, per patient-centered care. Notification, removal, or policy citation are less accommodating.
The nurse is conducting an interview with a 75-year-old client admitted with acute pain. Which question would have priority when assisting with pain management?
- A. Have you ever had difficulty getting your pain controlled?
- B. What types of surgery have you had in the last 10 years?
- C. Have you ever been addicted to narcotics?
- D. Do you have a list of your prescription medications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asking about past pain control identifies effective strategies or barriers, guiding management. Surgical history, addiction, and medication lists are secondary.
The nurse is receiving a client from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Ambulate the client to the bathroom to void.
- B. Take the client's vital signs to compare with PACU data.
- C. Monitor all lines into and out of the client's body.
- D. Assess the client's surgical site.
- E. Push the client's PCA button to treat for pain during movement.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Vital signs establish a baseline, line monitoring ensures patency, and surgical site assessment detects complications. Ambulation is premature, and nurses cannot push PCA buttons.
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